How Not to Burn Down Your House for Dummies

[GTgirl]

Hi, new to the forum, and new to EV’s. I’ve been procrastinating getting a charger installed because I’m struggling to understand how to make sure it’s done safely. Now, reading your posts that mention people who “plug in and burn their house down” …you have my attention.
Since I am that dummy who struggles to remember the difference between a volt an an amp, and (sadly) don’t know a trustworthy electrician, how can I make sure that my garage is set up with a safe charging situation?? Please share your wisdom!

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[MachE Mach]

You could always use a professional installation company like qmerit (this is not an endorsement, I have no experience with them )

 

[Maquis]

Do some research online of electrical contractors in your area. Pick three who have good reputations and reviews and get proposals for what you need done. Be sure they are licensed and insured.

 

[Garbone]

Sanford Electric did really good work for me when I lived in your neck of the woods. I would not hesitate to have them put in a 14-50 outlet. Buy a 40amp charger like a GrizzlE and you should be fine.

 

[joes723]

 

[RickMachE]

The installation requires an inspection.

 

[Mach1E]

Hi, new to the forum, and new to EV’s. I’ve been procrastinating getting a charger installed because I’m struggling to understand how to make sure it’s done safely. Now, reading your posts that mention people who “plug in and burn their house down” …you have my attention.
Since I am that dummy who struggles to remember the difference between a volt an an amp, and (sadly) don’t know a trustworthy electrician, how can I make sure that my garage is set up with a safe charging situation?? Please share your wisdom!

Licensed electrician.

Now that that’s out of the way, so you don’t stress so much, go look at your breaker box and count how many 220v breakers your house currently has.

Then remember there’s probably one for each hot water heater, a/c, stove, dryer etc. then know that every house in your neighborhood has the same setup.

And none of them have burned down.

You’ll be fine.

 

[kennethjk]

The installation requires an inspection.

Florida or her particular location requires a permit and inspection for 14-50 outlet?

 

[Maxwells4]

Maxwell approves!

But to the question, even if an electrician is willing to do the work without a permit and inspection (which I would bet on), most likely nothing stops you from getting one anyway if you want a little extra peace of mind. You can call the permitting department of your city to find out more.

 

[AKgrampy]

Most places in the civilized world require a permit and inspection. If you live in a city or town then contact the electrical inspector. They may even have a list of qualified electricians; although, I think they would not recommend any in particular for ethical reasons. Or, as mentioned, a licensed and insured electrician should be good to do the work. It may be that you can find someone who has done this kind of work for someone else in your area.

 

[RickMachE]

Florida or her particular location requires a permit and inspection for 14-50 outlet?

Every location should require an inspection to add a breaker, wiring, and an outlet.

 

[kennethjk]

Every location should require an inspection to add a breaker, wiring, and an outlet.

My licensed electrician added a 14-50 outlet and 50 amp breaker to my garage, no permit or inspection was required by code last I checked but I understand having one done to make sure it was done correctly

 

[generaltso]

Every location should require an inspection to add a breaker, wiring, and an outlet.

Uh, no. My town doesn’t even have any inspectors.

 

[OldEVGuy]

I’d suggest reading this thread, to make sure you get a high quality 14-50 receptacle.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/burned-out-wall-receptacle-and-plug-ugh-juicebox-40.20441/

 

[Mrn]

Also, for peace of mind, regularly check the temperature on the outside of your charging equipment with your hand. If it's warm, it's probably working correctly. If it's hot, stop using it and have it checked.

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